Why Does Jawline Contouring Become More Relevant With Age?
They say with age comes wisdom. Unfortunately, age also comes with skin laxity, fat redistribution, and bone resorption, all of which can soften the contours of your jawline. This makes jawline contouring a powerful anti-aging tool because it offers both structure and support. The result is a rejuvenated look that freshens things up without making you look overdone. Here, we’ll explain how these contouring procedures combat the signs of aging and how we customize them for older patients.
What Happens to the Jawline With Age?
There are several ways that a plastic surgeon can restore jawline contours to turn back the clock. But before we delve into them, it’s helpful to understand what it is that’s happening to the jawline as you age. We won’t bore you with a lengthy and overly scientific explanation of the biochemical processes happening in your body. Yawn. Instead, here is a brief overview of what happens:
- Loss of bone support in the lower face and jaw
- Thinning skin and reduced collagen
- Accumulation of fat deposits and jowling
- Softening of the mandibular angle and jawline definition
- Often, the neck and jawline begin to blend together, making the lower face look heavy
What Are the Anti-Aging Benefits of Jawline Contouring for Older Patients?
There are several different procedures that fall under the category of jawline contouring, and each works in a unique way. The ultimate goal of all of them, however, is to do some or all of the following:
- Restore a clean, defined jawline without the need for a full facelift
- Reduce the appearance of jowls and lower face heaviness
- Help reestablish a youthful jaw-to-neck transition
- Provide subtle lift and structure when skin elasticity begins to fade
- Make the lower face appear tighter and more refreshed
Treatment Options Tailored for Older Patients
Older patients can opt for all of the same jawline contouring procedures as younger ones, but many prefer to focus only on non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. As a result, dermal fillers, Botox, and chin liposuction tend to be the most popular options for older patients.
Juvéderm® Jawline Fillers
If you have areas of bone or soft tissue loss but don’t want surgery, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be a great solution for you. HA is a substance naturally found in your skin, and the precise injection of HA fillers can add structural support to sharpen the jawline, improve chin projection, and reduce the appearance of jowls. Juvéderm brand fillers are the only ones we use here at Mia Aesthetics, and they work best for patients with mild to moderate laxity looking to delay surgery or avoid it altogether. You will need periodic touchups to maintain your results, but you can expect them to last 12 to 18 months.
Botox® for Masseter Slimming (Selective Use)
Sometimes, years of jaw clenching and tooth grinding (bruxism) brought on by stress can cause the masseter muscle of the jaw to widen. This added muscle bulk can make the face look boxy and overly wide, hiding the natural contour of your jawline. Botox injections relax this muscle to restore a slimmer appearance at the jaw. When done properly, the results are subtle, so it won’t be obvious that you got a little help turning back the clock. Like dermal fillers, Botox requires upkeep and lasts temporarily, typically for four to six months.
Chin Liposuction
If you’re willing to consider a minimally invasive surgery, chin lipo may be right for you. Particularly helpful for those with a double chin, chin lipo removes excess fat from the chin to recontour it, helping to enhance both the chin and jawline. This jawline contouring option works best for patients with good skin elasticity. Sometimes chin lipo is combined with dermal fillers to remove tissue where you have too much and build you up where you may not have enough.
How Jawline Contouring Differs for Older vs. Younger Patients
Although both older and younger patients may have the same jawline contouring goals, the ways that they reach them can be different. It’s important to work with an experienced plastic surgeon who understands the differences between older and younger faces and how they impact facial procedures. A few key differences include the fact that:
- Older patients often need support and lift, while younger patients usually seek definition only
- Aging faces require more strategic filler placement to restore volume without heaviness
- Providers must account for skin elasticity and fat descent
- Older patients sometimes need combination treatments (e.g., filler and skin tightening or neck work) to achieve optimal results
Results and Expectations for Older Patients
What works best for you may change as you get older, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve excellent jawline contouring results. On older patients, jawline contouring results tend to look more subtle, refined, and natural. The best outcomes require a conservative approach and a good skin care routine to help support the results of your chosen procedure. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in jawline sharpness, jowl visibility, and lower face harmony.
Recap: Turn Back the Clock With a Contoured Jawline
Jawline contouring isn’t just for younger patients—when tailored to the aging face, it can be a powerful path to a more youthful look. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of jowling or more advanced facial aging, our team can develop a custom plan to sculpt, lift, and redefine your jawline for a refreshed, confidence-boosting look. We encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation to learn more about the options and get personalized advice about which one may be the best for you.